10 Most Exciting New Games Releasing In January 2026, Ranked

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January is usually a quiet month for video game releases, with most of the big announcements and launches happening later in the year, typically starting in February. 2026 is proving to be no different, as there aren’t many confirmed games coming out just yet. Still, there are a few promising titles to look forward to in January 2026, even if it’s a slower month overall.

While the biggest game releases aren’t expected until at least February 2026, January still has some interesting titles coming up. You’ll find updated versions of games like Animal Crossing for the Switch 2 on January 15th, and new content for games like Cult of the Lamb. If you’re eager to know about the most anticipated new games launching in January 2026, I’ve put together a list, ranked by how much excitement they’re generating across different gaming platforms.

10) Cozy Caravan

Release Date: January 8th

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile (Apple Arcade)

Cozy Caravan has been available on PC for some time, and now the full version 1.0 is launching, bringing it to Nintendo Switch and mobile devices as well. In this game, you manage a caravan, gathering resources to sell at a weekly market. You’ll also complete tasks for townspeople and discover new recipes to help you offer the best products.

I’ve spent a good amount of time playing Cozy Caravan while it was still in development, and even though it had some initial glitches, I think it’s a really promising game. It’s exactly the kind of relaxing and charming experience that could be very popular on the Nintendo Switch. However, it hasn’t gotten much attention so far, so it will be interesting to see if the full release finally gets the recognition it deserves.

9) Heartopia

Release Date: January 7th

Platforms: PC, Mobile

This new free-to-play game is a cozy life simulation that feels a lot like Animal Crossing. Its charming 3D graphics have already made it popular on Steam. Players can build relationships with the people of Heartopia and other players, all while enjoying hobbies like cooking, fishing, and watching birds.

With life simulation games being so popular, and this one being free to play, I think a lot of players who enjoy relaxing games will check it out. It’s hard to say if it will be a hit, especially with a new Animal Crossing update coming out at the same time, but I’m optimistic. It’s launching on mobile and through its own website first, with a Steam release planned for later, so it might take a while to gain a large following on PC.

8) I Hate This Place

Release Date: January 29th

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch

Launching in January 2026 across multiple platforms, I Hate This Place is a highly anticipated survival horror game. Originally planned for November 2025, the game puts players in a terrifying fight for survival at Rutherford Ranch. It features crafting and a unique visual style inspired by comic books and 80s horror—perfect for fans of shows like Stranger Things.

I’ve been keeping an eye on I Hate This Place, and it’s already got a pretty solid following on Steam – over 4,000 wishlists already! It’s coming to a bunch of platforms, which is awesome because that means even more horror fans will get a chance to play it. If you’re into survival horror, you’re gonna want to check this one out when it drops in January 2026 – I know I will!

7) Arknights: Endfield

Release Date: January 22nd

Platforms: PC, PS5, Mobile

This action RPG is free to play and builds on the world of the popular game Arknights. However, it plays very differently, combining real-time strategy with elements of building and managing a factory. Players will journey through the world of Talos-II, where they’ll need to build up their base and survive in the wild.

It’s tough to predict how well this game will do. While gacha games are often hit or miss, the original Arknights is highly regarded. However, Endfield seems to play very differently, so it’s uncertain if existing fans will continue playing. Still, a free-to-play game on PC and mobile that blends action RPG elements with factory simulation could be really successful. I’m excited to try it out, and I suspect many others are too.

6) Hytale

Release Date: January 13th (Early Access)

Platforms: PC

After a long and winding development process, the game is now launching into Early Access this month. Called Hytale, it’s a new sandbox adventure created by the team behind the popular Minecraft server, Hypixel. Although Riot Games initially backed the project and then cancelled it in June 2025, the original developers were able to regain the rights and are now bringing it to life.

I’ve been following Hytale, and it really reminds me of Minecraft, but with a fantasy twist and a lot more RPG elements. It feels a bit like Hypixel, but they’re adding so much new stuff – epic bosses, dungeons to explore, the works! I think a lot of Minecraft players who enjoy RPGs will absolutely love it. The thing is, Early Access can be unpredictable. If the game is polished when it finally launches, I think it has the potential to be huge and could easily be one of the biggest releases in January.

5) Highguard

Release Date: January 26th

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

As a huge fan of shooters, I’m so excited to hear about Highguard! It’s coming from the creators of Apex Legends and Titanfall, which immediately has me hyped. It’s a new PvP raid shooter with a fantasy setting, and the best part? It’s going to be free-to-play! Honestly, they haven’t shown much of the game yet, but I’m already counting down the days until release.

With hero shooters being so popular and Highguard being free-to-play, it has a lot of promise. However, there are already many similar games available, making it hard for new ones to gain traction. Highguard was just revealed at the 2025 Game Awards, so it hasn’t generated much buzz yet. But if you enjoy Apex Legends, this is definitely a game worth trying when it launches later this month.

4) The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin

Release Date: January 28th

Platforms: PC, PS5, Mobile

This free-to-play RPG is inspired by the anime The Seven Deadly Sins. Similar to Heartopia, it’s free to start, so it should attract a lot of players. You’ll take on the role of Prince Tristan of Liones, journeying across Britannia to bring peace back to a chaotic world.

Okay, so everyone’s been buzzing about this game – the anime is super popular, and it’s getting shown off at the Game Awards next year. Honestly, I’m cautiously optimistic. Free-to-play RPGs can be hit or miss, you know? I’m really gonna have to dive in and play it to see if it’s a genuinely good game or just trying to squeeze money out of the anime’s fanbase.

3) Pathologic 3

Release Date: January 9th

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

The latest game in the Pathologic series is sure to appeal to fans of psychological horror. Developed by Ice-Pick Lodge, this installment challenges players to save a town plagued by a strange illness. Your choices determine who lives or dies, and you have just 12 days to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

The original Pathologic games were well-received by horror enthusiasts, though they appeal to a smaller, more specific audience as psychological horror titles. Pathologic 3 is essentially a remake focusing on one of the stories from the first game, which some fans will love and others might not. However, if you’re looking for a new horror experience in January, it’s definitely worth checking out.

2) Cairn

Release Date: January 29th

Platforms: PC, PS5

Cairn is an action-adventure game where you attempt to scale the challenging Mount Kami. Created by the team behind Furi and Haven, it focuses on creating a tense and immersive climbing experience. The game aims for realism, offering a sometimes difficult but rewarding simulation with opportunities for free climbing.

With a talented team behind it, Cairn is a game many players are eagerly anticipating. This distinctive indie title has the potential to be a major hit in 2026. If you like games that are difficult and require strong spatial awareness, be sure to check out Cairn when it releases in January 2026.

1) Code Vein 2

Release Date: January 30th

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

Following up on Bandai Namco’s 2019 game Code Vein, the sequel once again plunges players into a world of vampires where strength comes from blood. It’s an action RPG inspired by the Souls-like genre, featuring a distinctive anime art style. Fans are eager to see if this new installment builds on the original, which received a somewhat mixed reception.

Code Vein 2 is slated for release in January 2026, and as the sequel to a well-loved JRPG, it’s likely to be a major game launch for the year. However, with several other titles coming out in February, it might not get as much attention. If you were a fan of the original Code Vein, the sequel is definitely worth a look. Plus, even if you’re new to the series, Code Vein 2 features a completely separate story, making it accessible for all players.

What game are you most excited to play in January 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-05 17:15